The Power of “Yes”

“Yes” leads to the creation of new businesses, and partnerships. “Yes” shapes our government through the electoral process.

An artist says “yes” to his vision and a masterpiece is painted. A sculpture takes shape. The author says “yes”, picking up a pen; and the next novel, or critical thinking treatise (or blog post!) begins.

A woman and man say “yes” to each other, opening the door to life which would have remained unlived, except for that small, but immensely powerful, “yes”.

“Yes” gives a child permission to play, explore, dream, create; to run, dance, sing; to learn.

Many of us live lives of “No”.

We’re afraid of failure, so we say “no” to new ideas, to taking risks.

We compare our abilities to others’ creativity, and then say “no” to our own – leaving pictures unpainted, literature unwritten, lyrics with no voice to sing.

We’ve been hurt, so we say “no” to new friendships, and to the possibility of dreams.

We tell children “no”, believing it better to protect their clothing from tears, their knees from being skinned, to protect that ugly vase that great-Aunt Mildred gave us; than it is to allow them to learn the joy and responsibly of “yes”.

We say “no”, because we want to protect; in reality, our “no” may bring greater harm, as it becomes the key locking us out of the life we were created to live.

There is a place for “No”.

“Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No”, no”. (James 5:12)

Obviously we need to observe common sense and say “no” to situations that foolishly place us or others in harm’s way. Saying “no” to the next drink, the next toxic friendship, the next bag of potato chips, the next impulse purchase, the next illicit website, is in reality saying “yes” to being fully alive.

A well-spoken “Yes” is Redemptive.

God said “yes” to His creativity; and you and I and all of mankind and all of time, past, present and future, resulted. The Father, Son and Spirit said “yes” to each other, and Jesus went to the cross, fulfilling God’s plan of redemption. And when we say “yes” to His plan, God responds with an eternal “yes” to us.

“Yes” is a powerful word, not to be spoken lightly, but also not a word to cower and retreat from. A well-spoken “yes” is the gateway to life that otherwise would remain forever closed.

Where are you needing to make the choice to say “yes” today?